Ford is ending the year with yet another recall involving over a quarter million vehicles. The automaker notified NHTSA about this latest campaign due to an issue affecting three models: F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Maverick.
Key Takeaways
- Ford is recalling 272,645 vehicles for a software glitch that could cause the transmission to unlock improperly.
- The problem involves an integrated park module causing issues with parking on inclines.
- Clients will receive notifications starting February 2nd, and most can expect over-the-air updates.
As winter sets in, many drivers are finding themselves concerned about their vehicles rolling away after they’ve parked. This latest recall addresses a software glitch that prevents the transmission from locking properly when shifted into park. The culprit? A tiny metal part rubbing against another component inside the integrated park module.
This issue is particularly alarming because it’s not always visible to drivers until it’s too late. Imagine driving up an incline, parking your car, and stepping out only for your vehicle to start rolling downhill once you’re gone. That nightmare scenario has become a reality for over 270,000 Ford owners.
Thankfully, the solution doesn’t require tearing apart each transmission. Instead, Ford will push an update via software that changes how the module operates around this issue. Owners should receive notifications starting February 2nd and can expect their cars to automatically download any necessary updates if they’re connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to take my car in for service?
No, most owners won’t have to bring their vehicles into a dealership. The update will be sent via over-the-air software.
What if the automatic parking brake doesn’t work properly?
The NHTSA warns that any issues with the electronic parking brake could worsen risks, so it’s crucial to address this recall as soon as possible.
This latest issue is a stark reminder of Ford’s ongoing struggle with quality control. It’s clear they’re working hard to fix these problems, but it feels like déjà vu for many owners who’ve had to deal with multiple recalls over the past year.
